A Culinary Adventure in Munnar: Exploring the Best Food Tours and Local Delicacies
Munnar, the verdant hill station of Kerala, is known not only for its breathtaking landscapes and tea plantations but also for its unique culinary offerings. A food tour in Munnar offers an exceptional way to discover local flavors, sample fresh produce, and understand Kerala’s diverse culinary heritage. From spicy curries to delightful snacks, here’s a guide to experiencing the best food Munnar has to offer.
What Makes Munnar’s Cuisine Special?
Munnar’s cuisine is a blend of traditional Kerala flavors and influences from neighboring Tamil Nadu, resulting in a variety of dishes that are both spicy and aromatic. Coconut, curry leaves, and a range of spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon feature prominently, giving Munnar’s cuisine its characteristic flavor profile. Due to the cool climate and fertile soil, Munnar is also known for fresh vegetables, fruits, and homemade chocolates, making it a delightful spot for food enthusiasts.
Must-Try Local Dishes in Munnar
- Appam with Stew: Appam, a soft, fluffy pancake made from fermented rice batter, is typically served with a coconut-based vegetable or chicken stew. This comforting dish is a breakfast staple and a great way to start your food journey in Munnar.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: A classic breakfast combination, puttu is steamed rice flour mixed with coconut, served with kadala curry, a black chickpea stew cooked with coconut milk and spices. It’s hearty and rich, offering a true taste of Kerala’s morning flavors.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: If you’re a fan of seafood, karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated in spices and wrapped in a banana leaf) is a must-try. The fish is slow-cooked in the banana leaf, absorbing the flavors of the spices and resulting in a unique, smoky taste.
- Kerala Sadya: A traditional vegetarian feast, Kerala sadya is served on a banana leaf and includes multiple dishes like rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and pickles. It’s a celebratory meal that gives a comprehensive taste of Kerala’s culinary diversity.
- Malabar Parotta and Beef Curry: A flaky, layered flatbread, Malabar parotta is a favorite in Munnar. Pair it with a spicy beef curry or chicken stew, and you have a meal bursting with flavors. This combination is especially popular in local eateries and is a must for meat lovers.
- Freshly Made Chocolates: Munnar is known for its homemade chocolates, which are often infused with unique flavors like cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon. You’ll find many shops around Munnar that offer a variety of chocolates, including white, dark, and milk chocolate varieties.
- Tea and Snacks: No food tour in Munnar is complete without tasting the local tea, freshly harvested from the surrounding plantations. Pair it with local snacks like banana chips, pazham pori (fried banana fritters), or uzhunnu vada (a savory lentil doughnut) for a delightful mid-day break.
The Best Food Tour Experiences in Munnar
- Guided Food Walk in Munnar Market
A food walk through Munnar’s local market is an immersive way to explore the region’s fresh produce and street food. Guided tours are often organized, where you can sample local snacks, interact with vendors, and learn about the various spices, herbs, and ingredients that form the backbone of Kerala cuisine. This tour usually includes stops at small eateries where you can try dishes like masala dosa, idiyappam, and other quick bites.
- Tea Tasting and Plantation Tour
Munnar’s tea plantations are world-renowned, and a visit to these lush estates wouldn’t be complete without a tea-tasting experience. Many tea estates, such as the Tata Tea Museum, offer tasting sessions where you can sample different varieties of tea, including black, green, white, and oolong teas. Some plantation tours also include a demonstration of the tea-making process and offer snacks that pair beautifully with tea.
- Cooking Class with a Local Family
For those who want a hands-on culinary experience, cooking classes with a local family in Munnar are a fantastic way to learn traditional recipes and techniques. You’ll learn to cook dishes like appam, Kerala fish curry, and vegetable thoran while gaining insight into the cooking traditions passed down through generations. Many classes conclude with a sit-down meal, allowing you to savor the dishes you helped prepare.
- Organic Farm Tour and Farm-to-Table Meal
Munnar is home to several organic farms that grow fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. Many of these farms offer tours where you can explore the fields, understand the farming process, and taste freshly harvested produce. Some organic farms also offer farm-to-table meals, where guests can enjoy dishes made from the ingredients grown on-site, giving you the freshest, most authentic flavors of Munnar.
- Homestay Food Experience
Staying at a homestay in Munnar offers an opportunity to enjoy home-cooked Kerala meals. Many homestays offer authentic Kerala breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring dishes prepared with traditional recipes. This experience provides a taste of Kerala’s culinary culture, and hosts often share recipes and cooking tips with guests.
Top Restaurants to Visit in Munnar
- Saravana Bhavan: Known for its authentic vegetarian South Indian meals, Saravana Bhavan is a popular choice among locals and tourists. The banana-leaf meals and dosas here are crowd favorites.
- Rapsy Restaurant: A cozy spot famous for its Kerala-style curries, Malabar parotta, and biryanis, Rapsy Restaurant is a must-visit for those looking to try local flavors at an affordable price.
- Hotel Sri Nivas: Located in the center of Munnar, this simple restaurant offers delicious vegetarian meals. It’s especially famous for its traditional breakfast dishes, including idli, dosa, and vada.
- SN Restaurant: This restaurant offers a mix of North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese dishes, making it a versatile spot for families or groups with varying tastes. The Kerala-style fish curry here is highly recommended.
- Copper Castle Restaurant: This restaurant offers a scenic view of the tea gardens, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy Munnar’s natural beauty. The menu includes a range of Kerala and continental dishes.
Tips for an Unforgettable Food Tour in Munnar
- Start with a Light Breakfast: Kerala meals can be heavy and filling, so a light breakfast will help you make the most of the flavors without feeling too full too quickly.
- Embrace Spice: Kerala cuisine is known for its use of spices. If you’re new to spicy food, let the chef know to adjust the spice levels, or have a glass of cool buttermilk or coconut water to balance the heat.
- Try Local Beverages: Apart from tea, Munnar is also known for its refreshing coconut water and spiced buttermilk. These drinks are great for cooling down after spicy meals.
- Bring Cash: Some smaller eateries and local markets may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to have cash on hand, especially if you’re planning to buy fresh produce or spices.
Conclusion
A food tour in Munnar is an adventure for the senses. From the delicate flavors of appam and stew to the bold spices of fish curry and the refreshing aroma of locally grown tea, Munnar offers a culinary experience that is as rich and diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re sampling street food, enjoying a farm-to-table meal, or taking a cooking class, the food culture in Munnar is bound to leave you with delicious memories.
